Calling the comments linking Gandhi to a US-based billionaire ''highly inappropriate and disrespectful'', Tagore in his letter condemned the ''slanderous language'' used by Patra during a media interaction on December 5, 2024. He urged the Speaker to take immediate action.

Gandhi was also the leader of the Opposition in the lower house of Parliament. 

''As a custodian of Parliament, I urge you to take immediate and stringent action against Sambit Patra,'' the letter read.

The letter came amid intense protests in the Lok Sabha that were triggered by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s allegations, which sought to link Gandhi to a US-based billionaire.

Citing reports from the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), Dubey claimed that the Congress-led Opposition had attempted to derail parliamentary proceedings by raising the issue of Gandhi’s alleged ties to a foreign investor.

His remarks were met with fierce opposition from Congress members that led to chaotic scenes and multiple adjournments.

During the Zero Hour, Speaker Om Birla struggled to restore order as protests intensified. After two adjournments, he suspended the House till 2 p.m., but the disruption continued. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju condemned the Opposition’s actions, particularly their attire, and called it a ''fashion show'' that undermined the dignity of the Parliament.

''Such disruptions will achieve nothing; they won’t fetch votes,'' Rijiju added, referencing the Opposition’s protests over the alleged foreign investor connection.

Dubey, despite protests, stood firm in his accusations and claimed the Opposition was undermining India’s progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He said the Congress is trying to derail critical national conversations by raising issues such as the Pegasus spyware scandal and questioning the efficacy of India’s COVID vaccines.

As Congress leaders, including Gaurav Gogoi, attempted to counter Dubey’s allegations, the protests escalated. Gogoi emphasised Gandhi’s commitment to peace and accused the BJP of spreading unsubstantiated claims. Unable to calm the situation, Speaker Birla once again adjourned the proceedings.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav addressed the media, raising concerns over the Opposition’s ability to discuss important issues. She urged Birla to allow a discussion on the Adani issue, which the Opposition had been persistently raising. She also spoke about the Sambhal incident and accused the BJP of using it as a diversion to deflect attention from alleged electoral malpractices.

“When the state government and administration are at fault, they can spin any narrative around the incident,” Yadav said.

“The BJP is attempting to create unrest in Uttar Pradesh to avoid addressing critical issues like employment, reservations, women’s safety, and farmers’ concerns.”

On the other hand, in the Rajya Sabha, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s stance on the issue, emphasizing that while countries have the right to respond to such situations, they must do so in a manner that respects humanitarian laws and minimizes civilian casualties.

"We condemn terrorism, we condemn hostage-taking," Jaishankar stated, advocating for a ceasefire and an end to violence. He also reiterated India’s long-standing support for a two-state solution and highlighted India’s ongoing humanitarian aid to Palestine, both in financial contributions and relief materials.

Despite the disruptions in the Lok Sabha, Parliament successfully passed a crucial bill to replace the 90-year-old Aircraft Act and improve the ease of doing business in the aviation sector.

The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024, which had already been approved by the Lok Sabha on August 9, was passed in the Rajya Sabha through a voice vote.

This bill seeks to modernise and update the Aircraft Act of 1934, which has been amended 21 times over the years.

It grants the Central Government the power to establish regulations for different categories of aircraft, ensure the safety of aircraft operations, and create rules for investigating air accidents or incidents.